The Development of Public Institutions: Reconsidering the Role of Leadership

Administration & Society 40 (3):271-297, 2008

28 Pages Posted: 21 Jan 2013

See all articles by Arjen Boin

Arjen Boin

Utrecht School of Governance; Louisiana State University

Tom Christensen

University of Oslo - Department of Political Science

Date Written: January 21, 2008

Abstract

Some public organizations take on the qualities and characteristics of an institution. They become vessels for societal ambition, combining reliable performance with high levels of legitimacy. The functioning and effects of these highly institutionalized organizations are well researched. How these public institutions come about remains somewhat of a mystery, however. Empirical accounts of public institutions consistently identify leadership as a crucial explanatory variable. Conventional wisdom in the field of public administration research, on the other hand, suggests it is impossible for leaders to single-handedly create an organization that effectively serves multiple, complex, and mutually exclusive goals in a volatile environment that is characterized by impatient politicians, scrutinizing media, critical citizens, and scarce resources. This article revisits the relation between leadership and the institutionalization of public organizations. Building on theoretical work and case studies of public institutions, it formulates an analytical framework for studying the role of leadership in institutionalization processes.

Suggested Citation

Boin, Arjen and Christensen, Tom, The Development of Public Institutions: Reconsidering the Role of Leadership (January 21, 2008). Administration & Society 40 (3):271-297, 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2204575

Arjen Boin (Contact Author)

Utrecht School of Governance ( email )

Postbox 80145
Utrecht, 3508 TC
Netherlands

Louisiana State University ( email )

Baton Rouge, LA 70803
United States

Tom Christensen

University of Oslo - Department of Political Science ( email )

Moltke Moesvei 31
Olso, 0851
Norway

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